PCT NHA EXAM 2026/2027 | 100% Correct Answers with
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Domain 1: Patient Care & Safety (40 Questions)
Q1: A PCT is caring for a patient who had a total knee replacement 2 days ago. The
patient is ordered to be ambulated twice daily. While assisting the patient to stand, the
patient reports feeling dizzy and begins to sway. What is the PCT's priority action?
A. Continue ambulation to build the patient's strength
B. Lower the patient to the floor immediately
C. Guide the patient back to the chair or bed and ensure safety [CORRECT]
D. Leave the patient to get assistance from the nurse
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The PCT's priority is patient safety. When a patient reports dizziness during
ambulation, the immediate action is to guide them back to a seated or lying position to
prevent falls. Option A is incorrect because continuing ambulation with a dizzy patient
risks injury. Option B is unnecessary and potentially harmful if the patient can be safely
guided to a seat. Option D violates patient safety protocols by leaving an unstable
patient unattended. NHA standards emphasize maintaining patient safety and never
leaving a patient in an unsafe condition.
Q2: A PCT is measuring the oral temperature of an adult patient using an electronic
thermometer. The patient recently drank hot coffee 10 minutes ago. What action should
the PCT take?
A. Proceed with oral temperature measurement as scheduled
B. Wait 15-30 minutes before taking an oral temperature [CORRECT]
C. Take a rectal temperature instead
,D. Document that temperature cannot be obtained
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Recent intake of hot or cold beverages can affect oral temperature accuracy.
NHA standards require waiting 15-30 minutes after oral intake before measuring oral
temperature. Option A would yield inaccurate results. Option C is inappropriate without
a specific order and proper indication. Option D is unnecessary when alternative sites
(temporal, tympanic, axillary) are available or when waiting is possible. The PCT should
either wait or use an alternative site per facility protocol.
Q3: When performing perineal care on a female patient, what is the correct technique to
prevent urinary tract infection?
A. Clean from the anal area toward the urethral area
B. Clean from the urethral area toward the anal area [CORRECT]
C. Use a circular motion around the perineal area
D. Use the same washcloth for the entire perineal area
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct technique is to clean from front to back (urethral to anal area) to
prevent transferring bacteria from the anal region to the urinary meatus, which could
cause UTI. Option A would contaminate the urinary tract. Option C doesn't effectively
remove bacteria and may spread microorganisms. Option D risks cross-contamination.
This follows standard infection control principles and NHA patient care standards for
perineal hygiene.
Q4: A PCT is preparing to transfer a patient from bed to wheelchair using a transfer belt.
The patient is cooperative and can bear weight on both legs. Where should the PCT
position the wheelchair?
A. At the foot of the bed facing the patient
B. Next to the bed on the patient's stronger side with brakes locked [CORRECT]
C. Next to the bed on the patient's weaker side
D. At the head of the bed for easier access
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The wheelchair should be positioned on the patient's stronger side to
facilitate safe transfer, with wheels locked to prevent movement. This allows the patient
to pivot toward their stronger side, reducing fall risk. Option A requires excessive
turning. Option C would make transfer more difficult and unsafe. Option D is awkward
and increases fall risk. NHA standards emphasize proper body mechanics and patient
safety during transfers.
Q5: A patient has an indwelling urinary catheter. The PCT notices the drainage bag is full
and needs emptying. What is the correct procedure?
A. Empty the bag into the toilet while holding it above bladder level
B. Empty the bag into a clean container without touching the drainage port
C. Empty the bag into a measuring container without touching the drainage port to the
container, keeping the bag below bladder level [CORRECT]
D. Disconnect the bag from the catheter tubing to empty it completely
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The drainage bag must remain below bladder level to prevent reflux of urine
and potential infection. The drainage port should not touch the container to maintain
sterility. Option A risks contamination and doesn't allow for accurate measurement.
Option B doesn't specify keeping the bag below bladder level. Option D breaks the
closed system, increasing infection risk. NHA standards emphasize maintaining closed
urinary systems and preventing backflow.
Q6: When measuring blood pressure, a PCT notices the patient's arm is positioned
above heart level. How will this affect the reading?
A. It will result in a falsely elevated reading
B. It will result in a falsely low reading [CORRECT]
C. It will not affect the reading
D. It will make the reading more accurate
Correct Answer: B
, Rationale: When the arm is above heart level, hydrostatic pressure causes a falsely low
blood pressure reading. The arm should be at heart level for accurate measurement.
Option A would occur if the arm were below heart level. Options C and D are incorrect as
arm position significantly affects blood pressure readings. NHA standards require
proper positioning for accurate vital sign measurement.
Q7: A PCT is caring for a patient with diabetes who needs a fasting blood glucose
check. The patient ate a snack 30 minutes ago. What should the PCT do?
A. Proceed with the blood glucose check and document the snack
B. Notify the nurse and reschedule the test according to protocol [CORRECT]
C. Wait one hour and then perform the check
D. Ask the patient if they feel like the test should proceed
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Fasting blood glucose requires 8-12 hours without caloric intake. Consuming
a snack invalidates the fasting status. The PCT must notify the nurse to determine next
steps per physician orders. Option A would yield inaccurate results. Option C is
insufficient as fasting requires a longer period. Option D is inappropriate as patient
preference doesn't override medical protocol. NHA standards require accurate
specimen collection and following protocols.
Q8: When performing range of motion exercises on a patient's shoulder, the PCT should:
A. Move the joint quickly to improve circulation
B. Move the joint to the point of pain to increase flexibility
C. Support the joint and move it slowly through its full range of motion without causing
pain [CORRECT]
D. Perform exercises only on the affected side
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ROM exercises should be performed slowly with joint support, through full
range without causing pain. Quick movements (Option A) risk injury. Moving to pain
(Option B) causes damage. Option D is incorrect as unaffected joints also need exercise
Complete Solutions | Expert Verified | NHA CPCT/A Blueprint
Aligned | Patient Care Technician Prep | Pass Guaranteed -
A+ Graded
Domain 1: Patient Care & Safety (40 Questions)
Q1: A PCT is caring for a patient who had a total knee replacement 2 days ago. The
patient is ordered to be ambulated twice daily. While assisting the patient to stand, the
patient reports feeling dizzy and begins to sway. What is the PCT's priority action?
A. Continue ambulation to build the patient's strength
B. Lower the patient to the floor immediately
C. Guide the patient back to the chair or bed and ensure safety [CORRECT]
D. Leave the patient to get assistance from the nurse
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The PCT's priority is patient safety. When a patient reports dizziness during
ambulation, the immediate action is to guide them back to a seated or lying position to
prevent falls. Option A is incorrect because continuing ambulation with a dizzy patient
risks injury. Option B is unnecessary and potentially harmful if the patient can be safely
guided to a seat. Option D violates patient safety protocols by leaving an unstable
patient unattended. NHA standards emphasize maintaining patient safety and never
leaving a patient in an unsafe condition.
Q2: A PCT is measuring the oral temperature of an adult patient using an electronic
thermometer. The patient recently drank hot coffee 10 minutes ago. What action should
the PCT take?
A. Proceed with oral temperature measurement as scheduled
B. Wait 15-30 minutes before taking an oral temperature [CORRECT]
C. Take a rectal temperature instead
,D. Document that temperature cannot be obtained
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Recent intake of hot or cold beverages can affect oral temperature accuracy.
NHA standards require waiting 15-30 minutes after oral intake before measuring oral
temperature. Option A would yield inaccurate results. Option C is inappropriate without
a specific order and proper indication. Option D is unnecessary when alternative sites
(temporal, tympanic, axillary) are available or when waiting is possible. The PCT should
either wait or use an alternative site per facility protocol.
Q3: When performing perineal care on a female patient, what is the correct technique to
prevent urinary tract infection?
A. Clean from the anal area toward the urethral area
B. Clean from the urethral area toward the anal area [CORRECT]
C. Use a circular motion around the perineal area
D. Use the same washcloth for the entire perineal area
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct technique is to clean from front to back (urethral to anal area) to
prevent transferring bacteria from the anal region to the urinary meatus, which could
cause UTI. Option A would contaminate the urinary tract. Option C doesn't effectively
remove bacteria and may spread microorganisms. Option D risks cross-contamination.
This follows standard infection control principles and NHA patient care standards for
perineal hygiene.
Q4: A PCT is preparing to transfer a patient from bed to wheelchair using a transfer belt.
The patient is cooperative and can bear weight on both legs. Where should the PCT
position the wheelchair?
A. At the foot of the bed facing the patient
B. Next to the bed on the patient's stronger side with brakes locked [CORRECT]
C. Next to the bed on the patient's weaker side
D. At the head of the bed for easier access
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The wheelchair should be positioned on the patient's stronger side to
facilitate safe transfer, with wheels locked to prevent movement. This allows the patient
to pivot toward their stronger side, reducing fall risk. Option A requires excessive
turning. Option C would make transfer more difficult and unsafe. Option D is awkward
and increases fall risk. NHA standards emphasize proper body mechanics and patient
safety during transfers.
Q5: A patient has an indwelling urinary catheter. The PCT notices the drainage bag is full
and needs emptying. What is the correct procedure?
A. Empty the bag into the toilet while holding it above bladder level
B. Empty the bag into a clean container without touching the drainage port
C. Empty the bag into a measuring container without touching the drainage port to the
container, keeping the bag below bladder level [CORRECT]
D. Disconnect the bag from the catheter tubing to empty it completely
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The drainage bag must remain below bladder level to prevent reflux of urine
and potential infection. The drainage port should not touch the container to maintain
sterility. Option A risks contamination and doesn't allow for accurate measurement.
Option B doesn't specify keeping the bag below bladder level. Option D breaks the
closed system, increasing infection risk. NHA standards emphasize maintaining closed
urinary systems and preventing backflow.
Q6: When measuring blood pressure, a PCT notices the patient's arm is positioned
above heart level. How will this affect the reading?
A. It will result in a falsely elevated reading
B. It will result in a falsely low reading [CORRECT]
C. It will not affect the reading
D. It will make the reading more accurate
Correct Answer: B
, Rationale: When the arm is above heart level, hydrostatic pressure causes a falsely low
blood pressure reading. The arm should be at heart level for accurate measurement.
Option A would occur if the arm were below heart level. Options C and D are incorrect as
arm position significantly affects blood pressure readings. NHA standards require
proper positioning for accurate vital sign measurement.
Q7: A PCT is caring for a patient with diabetes who needs a fasting blood glucose
check. The patient ate a snack 30 minutes ago. What should the PCT do?
A. Proceed with the blood glucose check and document the snack
B. Notify the nurse and reschedule the test according to protocol [CORRECT]
C. Wait one hour and then perform the check
D. Ask the patient if they feel like the test should proceed
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Fasting blood glucose requires 8-12 hours without caloric intake. Consuming
a snack invalidates the fasting status. The PCT must notify the nurse to determine next
steps per physician orders. Option A would yield inaccurate results. Option C is
insufficient as fasting requires a longer period. Option D is inappropriate as patient
preference doesn't override medical protocol. NHA standards require accurate
specimen collection and following protocols.
Q8: When performing range of motion exercises on a patient's shoulder, the PCT should:
A. Move the joint quickly to improve circulation
B. Move the joint to the point of pain to increase flexibility
C. Support the joint and move it slowly through its full range of motion without causing
pain [CORRECT]
D. Perform exercises only on the affected side
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ROM exercises should be performed slowly with joint support, through full
range without causing pain. Quick movements (Option A) risk injury. Moving to pain
(Option B) causes damage. Option D is incorrect as unaffected joints also need exercise
